Dallas renewed for third season

In what will mark the show’s first ever run without stalwart Larry Hagman, who passed away in November last year, a 15-episode run is due to begin in early 2014.

Michael Wright, TNT, TBS and TCM president and head of programming, said in a statement: “Dallas has built a passionately loyal following with its expertly woven storylines, clever twists and turns, and numerous outstanding performances by a cast that spans generations.

“Although we said goodbye to Larry Hagman and his iconic character J.R. Ewing this year, Dallas has many more stories left to tell, and the Ewing clan will continue to honor J.R.‘s memory by keeping its audience surprised and delighted.”

Dallas relaunched in 2012 to a massive 6.9 million viewers in the US and although its second season saw viewing figures drop by more than half, owing to much more competition in broadcast network, the decision has been taken to reward the loyal fans by bringing the Ewings back for more.

Dallas airs on Channel 5 in the UK.

TNT has yet to make a decision on another of its leading lights – the fate of critically-acclaimed (and consistently excellent) cop drama Southland continues to hang in the balance.